Mtakimau Mangrove Participatory Forest Management Plan 2024-2028

The Mtwapa-Takaungu-Kilifi mangrove forests, spanning approximately 2,550 hectares, form a crucial part of Kenya’s coastal ecosystems. These forests, managed under the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) as part of the Coastal Conservation Area, play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and supporting the livelihoods of adjacent communities.

The MTAKIMAU Mangrove PFMP was developed in accordance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act (FCMA) No. 34 of 2016, ensuring sustainable management of this invaluable ecosystem. This plan is a result of extensive collaboration between the MTAKIMAU Community Forest Association (CFA), Kenya Forest Service, WWF-Kenya, and other key stakeholders. It aims to:

Promote conservation and restoration of mangrove forests.

Enhance community participation in forest management.

Foster sustainable use of mangrove resources for socio-economic development.

Mangrove forests in the Mtwapa-Takaungu-Kilifi creek are among the last remaining coastal forests in Eastern Africa, providing habitat for diverse plant and animal species. Beyond their ecological importance, they serve as a significant source of livelihood, offering eco-tourism opportunities, fisheries support, and protection against coastal erosion. However, increasing pressure from fuelwood demand, construction activities, and agricultural expansion has led to significant degradation.

The MTAKIMAU PFMP integrates modern conservation strategies with community-based ecological mangrove restoration (CBEMR) approaches. Supported by the Sustainable Use of Mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean Region Project, with funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Engagement Global, this plan includes:

Mangrove resource assessments to monitor forest health.

Capacity building initiatives for community-led conservation.

Development of sustainable forest practices in collaboration with local communities.

WWF-Kenya, alongside the Kenya Forest Service and the Kilifi County Government, is dedicated to the successful implementation of this management plan. With only 5% of Kilifi County currently under forest cover, restoring and preserving mangroves is critical to both environmental integrity and economic sustainability.